ZoLi POW Pip and Dine

ZoLi’s vacuum-insulated version of the PIP straw drink bottle, called POW, matches the POW DINE insulated food container, and will keep drinks hot or cold for hours. This versatile 18-oz straw drink bottle with an easy, flip-open spout features a matte, powder-coated finish for texture and added grip, and is BPA, Phthalate and lead free.

POW DINE

This food jar with vacuum insulated walls keeps meals hot or cold for hours, while its durable exterior will remain cool to the touch – essential for packing meals on the go. Again,the matte, powder-coated exterior brings texture and added grip to the table.

About ZoLi

Founded in 2008, ZoLi’s products blend substance, sustainability and style for a modern design that both reflects and enhances its utility.

Health is ZoLi’s number one priority. That’s why they are committed to giving their customers (both big and small) safe, worry-free solutions to real-life challenges. Through a dedication to environmentally friendly manufacturing, they provide premium products made from the safest and best possible materials that make lives easier while growing a greener future for our children. Some of ZoLi’s most popular juvenile products include the BOTSippy Cup, SUMO Snack Tower, CHUBBY Teething Sticks, and BUZZ B. Battery-Operated Nail Trimmer.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

The Crescent Womb

A new and innovative solution for promoting the healthy growth and physical development of newborns the way nature intends.

The Crescent Womb Infant Safety Bed is a hammock made of mesh that attaches to a baby’s crib. When a parent places their newborn in the center of the “womb,” the baby can curl up in the fetal position, suspended in the soft and subtle air.

Inventor James Spencer says it’s the closest thing to the child sleeping in their mother’s arms.

“Just as a baby grows in a mother’s womb, the idea began its infancy in my head,” James says. “By designing an infant sleeper that removes avoidable risks associated with early infancy, I slept easier as a new father, (knowing) my beautiful daughter is sleeping safely. This idea became a mission to help not only my Stella thrive, but to also help every other beautiful new life thrive.”

The Crescent Womb is destined to help both babies and their parents sleep more soundly, particularly during the first months of sleepless nights. The safety bed is ideal for infants up to around six months, or when they begin to sit up unassisted, roll over and start to crawl.

Recent research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics finds 91% of the newborns in the study “had loose or non-approved items in the bed with them;” 21% were placed on “non-recommended” sleep surfaces and 14% weren’t put to sleep on their backs in sleep environments “with established risk factors for sleep-related infant deaths.” It is estimated that 3,500 cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death occur in the U.S. each year, and half are cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to the Center for Disease Control. Twenty-five percent of the sudden unexpected deaths are caused by accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed.

After consulting with moms and medical professionals, James worked on his prototype for nearly two years before he revealed the Crescent Womb, which has been tested to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. James’ Crescent Womb Kickstarter campaign surpassed its $30,000 goal recently, raising over $100,000.

“I wanted to help a new generation get a head start. More importantly I hoped that Crescent Womb could be the catalyst to a more intimate, natural, and safe approach to early childcare.

I hope this product can bring a sense of relief to all new parents, just like it did for me, and help their little ones thrive, just like it did for Stella.”

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Baby Pibu

Baby Pibu’s creator is educating parents about proper infant skincare with a free video series that premieres today.

Renowned dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and creator of Baby Pibu infant skincare – Dr. Amy Kim – launches of a new video series to educate parents about infant skincare needs and demonstrating easy to follow techniques. The series, Dr. Amy’s Daily 4: Splash, Slather, Spot, Soothe, débuts today with the premiere of two new videos on Baby Pibu’s YouTube Channel. Three additional videos will premiere every Wednesday.

Dr. Amy’s video series is born out of recognizing a parent’s need to learn basic skincare. “After watching these videos and learning the ‘Splash, Slather, Spot and Soothe’ mantra, I hope that parents and caregivers will approach taking care of their infants’ skin with a greater level of confidence and ease,” Dr. Amy says. “One of the greatest disservices you can do to a baby is to simply ignore skincare all together because you fear using the wrong products or using them in the wrong way. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your baby having healthy skin.”

About Baby Pibu™

Baby Pibu goes the extra mile to provide parents with peace of mind that their products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. With Baby Pibu products, infant skincare doesn’t have to be a confusing chore. Available for sale at stores nationwide and online, Baby Pibu produces the ideal combination of naturally-derived, effective products that are gentle enough to use every day – even on delicate newborn skin. Products are paired with Dr. Amy’s detailed instructions on application and care, so that parents can focus less on figuring out skincare and more on their tiny bundles of joy.

Dr. Amy is known for her 10+ years as a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs skin cancer surgeon in renowned Atlanta practice, MetroDerm PC. After becoming a mom of two young children, she launched Baby Pibu in 2014 as a premium infant and children’s skin care line that offers safe and effective products. The company also provides educational resources to help parents care for their child’s skin.

The only skincare line of its kind available on the market that has been developed by a dermatologist mom, Baby Pibu is nationally recognized for safety and effectiveness by the National Eczema Association and the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Baby Pibu Video Schedule

Wednesday, July 20 – Splash & Slather

– Splash: Dr. Amy teaches parents how to give their baby the best bath with tips they can add to their nightly bath time routine.

– Slather: Dr. Amy teaches the importance of slathering on moisturizing cream at night after bath time to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized. She also shows how to slather on the sunscreen, particularly when headed out for a day in the sun.

Wednesday, July 27 – Spot and Soothe Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common skin condition that all babies and parents face. Since it can be a miserable condition to battle, Dr. Amy teaches parents how to spot diaper rash early on in order to soothe it with the right remedies and prevent flare ups.

Wednesday, August 3 – Spot and Soothe Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common skin condition that rarely bothers baby but bothers parents because of its appearance. Dr. Amy teaches parents how to spot it early as well as how to soothe it and prevent flare ups.

Wednesday, August 10 – Spot and Soothe Eczema

Eczema can affect up to 20% of children in the U.S. Eczema appears when a child has sensitive skin that develops a rash when it gets too dry or irritated. Parents will learn how to spot eczema early so that they will know how to soothe it by using the correct washes, ointments and remedies, as well as how to prevent flare ups.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Tabitha Fink: The Cat with One Eye

I Fink Different.

She may only have one eye, but that’s just what makes her special. Other than that, she’s one fabulously storied cat. The 5-star, award-winning Tabitha Fink: The Cat with One Eye is written for children ages two through five that tells Tabitha’s story in playful rhyme and delightful illustrations that kids totally love.

“A not-to-be missed story for the preschooler in your life – uplifting, enjoyable, and just plain fun. I loved every word!”

– Ellen Feld, Feathered Quill

The First Place Winner of the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award and a Feathered Quill 2016 Bronze Award Winner for Best Children’s Illustrated Book, the stories of Tabitha Fink start with the truth that no one is perfect, that we are all special and unique and that we should celebrate the uniqueness in everyone. Certainly this friendly, one-eyed cat is a fabulous example of that, as she scampers off on amazing adventures that will help children explore their emerging and sometimes challenging worlds. Tabitha’s next adventure is chronicled in Rick’s newest book, Tabitha Fink On a Mission to Mars.

“The world of Tabitha Fink is a simple and playful reflection of the many special things that are part of children’s lives,” says author Rick Felty – who is one swanky cat himself, especially to me. During the many years we worked together in the broadcasting and promotion business, Rick was THE go-to creative mind, winning every kind of creative excellence award in the business, including the coveted Emmy. So it doesn’t surprise me one bit that Rick has created a unique world for Tabitha Fink filled with entertaining lessons for kids as well as cool products that keep her message alive. Fun t-shirts, hoodies and stickers are just a few that proclaim, “I fink different.”

“An adorable book with an uplifting message. Tabitha Fink teaches children to be happy with themselves instead of trying to be like someone else…celebrating their uniqueness and individuality.”

– Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

The Real Tabitha Fink

Rick is also a photographer, musician and private pilot who lives in New England with his wonderful family, a dog, a bunch of fish and the real one-eyed cat named Tabitha Fink. “We have found that some people want to know why Tabitha Fink has only one eye. This is a very natural question and we are happy to tell you all we know.” Come to find out, Tabitha was adopted that way. The vet isn’t sure why she has only one eye, and thinks either injury or illness played a part in her uniqueness. “In any case, the veterinarian told us that she would be able to live a very full life with only one eye,” Rick says, “and we can report that she does!”

Some cats only have a Facebook page. Tabitha Fink has an entire world for kids to explore and learn from. How cool is that?

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Children’s Book Series

Imagine a young child teased in school for reading aloud. Terribly. How could that child react?

Well, this one – a shy, introvert who enjoys spending time alone, dreaming up magical worlds, singing, dancing, drawing and writing- simply stops reading.

It isn’t until her teacher notices a huge drop in her test scores that it comes to the attention of her Mom. And the race to improve the child’s reading skills begins. It actually becomes an easy job, as the child reads well above her age level; as we know, all writers are great readers. She just doesn’t enjoy it as much as she once does. Until …

Dragonriders of Pern

For me (yes, I am this child), I don’t really enjoy reading again until a friend introduces me to the science fiction book series, Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey. By now, I’m a young adult, working in advertising. From here, it’s Frank Herbert’s masterpiece series, Dune and the works of Robert Heinlein (Stranger in a Strange Land, Time Enough for Love and Glory Road are favorites).

Children’s Book Series

The nature of book series -the worlds authors create, the cast of recurring characters, the richness and intimacy of the storytelling – is what hooks me to the quick. Readers of all ages are drawn in with the sights and sounds of the storied imagination, so to speak, which encourages more reading, more imagination, more satisfaction.

Nowadays, children are huge fans of J.K. Rowling’s magnificent Harry Potter series (for the best treat, listen to the award-winning audiobooks, narrated by the oh-so-talented Jim Dale); Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer and others (can you say, Diary of a Wimpy Kid?). And you don’t have to be a child to be taken by them.

Certainly, the fascination with book series can continue well into adulthood – consider the popularity of George RR Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice (aka Game of Thrones) and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and the Earth’s Children series (Clan of the Cave Bear) by Jean M. Auel. Yes, book series can open up a whole new world to a reader and a whole new way of learning.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

The Incomparable Sally Huss

“Happy children make a better world. I write children’s books to help brighten the lives of children and add a little dollop of wisdom in the process.”

-Sally Huss

Children need core values, good habits, handy skills and a good sense of humor to keep them moving forward in a happy, healthy and productive manner. So says Sally Huss – imaginative artist, insightful writer and a friend of mine. Sally’s 80+ children’s books are stories full of fun rhymes and truly adorable illustrations that teach kids (and adults, too!) meaningful social and emotional skills. Plus, she adds to her children’s book collection all the time (sign up here for a free download).

Fab Review – “…Kids like their crazy outfits … and their clothes combinations are no nuttier than llamas who like to wear pajamas… This is another lovely book of cute rhymes and adorable fanciful drawings that delight the imagination.”

-Healthy Living

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, Sally started painting at 10 years old. She studied art Occidental College before graduating with a degree in Fine Art from USC. Along the way, Sally followed her dream of playing tennis – first as a U.S. and Wimbledon Junior Champion, then a semi-finalist in the Women’s division at Wimbledon. Now a top senior player, Sally is a member of the Kern County Sports Hall of Fame (1977) and the Occidental College’s Athletic Hall of Fame. (2015).

Fab Review- “How clever is this? Through a delightful adventure to the moon, the author explains not only how moon cheese is made, but how The Man in The Moon lights up the sky by doing his work happily, thus inspiring the visitors to do the same. We loved this book and I know we will read it often.”

– Jill McDonald

After Sally married Marv Huss -the love of her life and a top executive with Hallmark- she created several lines of greeting cards, clothing and ceramics, plus baby bibs, wallpaper for children, and more. Sally also writes and illustrates a King Features’ syndicated, inspirational panel for newspapers called Happy Musings. In the 80’s, the two developed Sally Huss Galleries across the country. “I continue to paint commission works for homes, offices and hotels and offer many of my prints on Fine Art America,” Sally says. “These include gift prints, prints for children’s rooms and large contemporary landscapes.”

Sally’s art, her children’s books and her writings always put a smile on my face …

and I bet they’ll do the same for you and your kids. You can also find all of Sally’s books on Amazon.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Good Night Yoga

Do you know the President’s Council has added the practice of yoga to the fitness activities in the annual President’s Challenge?

Sounds True is an independent multimedia publishing company that embraces the world’s major spiritual traditions, as well as the arts and humanities, with a library of more than 1,500 titles including children’s books.

Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story

“I wrote this book because after years of teaching children’s yoga, I wanted a way for my students to (literally) take it home,” says author Mariam Gates. With a master’s in education from Harvard University and has more than 20 years’ experience working with children, Mariam’s renowned Kid Power Yoga™ program combines her love of yoga with teaching to help children access their inner gifts. “This book became a way to hand children the tools to create their own practice and for parents, caregivers, and teachers to share in that experience.”

For parents and caregivers looking for a fun and effective new routine for bedtime, Good Night Yoga is full-color book beautifully illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder that tells the story of the natural world as it closes down for the night, while teaching children a simple flow of yoga postures inspired by their favorite characters from nature.

“There is a power in being able to pause and take a deep breath in and a long breath out. As I teach kids and train teachers around the country, I am amazed by how this simple tool of slowing things down through breath and movement can be so essential to how we experience a moment, a day, and our lives. This book is my way of bringing that practice to life.”

As a parent, part of Mariam’s purpose for writing this book is to create more ritual around bedtime, especially for her daughter, who needed a longer lead-in to sleep. The simple flow of the story gives kids a way to relax mentally and physically “let go” of the day.

Good Night Yoga is a complete guide to a simple sequence that is both fun and ultimately relaxing. Each pose has both visual and written cues as a support, and Mariam includes a spread where the entire flow is shown so you and your child can see “where you’re going.”

Mariam and her artist partner Sarah Jane follow Good Night Yoga with Good Morning Yoga, a practice for kids and parents to greet the morning with joy and embark on their daily adventures with intention and confidence.

Namaste

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The Little Linguist’s Alphabet by LoveYourLingo

Beautiful, multilingual products to inspire little linguists to love their languages.

“I’m Mom to bilingual girls who speak English and French, and I have created a special alphabet to help make life easier for multilingual children, so they continue to love and speak their languages,” Úna McCarthy-Fakhry tells me nearly two years ago, just after she launches a crowdfunding campaign to get her creative endeavor off the ground. This January, with the help of 203 Kickstarter backers, the production of The Little Linguist’s Alphabet is a reality. Available as a poster, mini card or ebook, Úna’s multilingual alphabet is illustrated with 26 objects that all start with the same letter as their translations in English, Français, Español, Português, Deutsch, Nederlands and Italiano (coming soon). For example, D is always for Dinosaur and P is always for Princess, no matter which combination of these languages your little linguist speaks.

“The people who backed me came from all over the world, from Costa Rica to Japan, from the USA to New Zealand,” Úna says. “They have kept me going when things got difficult, and have been forever patient and supportive at every stage. I genuinely feel I now have 203 new friendships and want to thank each and every one of them for helping me make this a reality.”

As a result, Úna founded LoveYourLingo to make multilingual products that help little linguists thrive. The entire idea grew out of necessity as her own children began to discover the alphabet. Úna and her family currently live in Melbourne, where they share Australian, Irish, French and Lebanese roots. This OPOL (one parent, one language) family has Papa speaking French exclusively, while Úna’s main language is English. She has observed her daughters’ puzzled expressions while trying to identify which letter is which. “It is ‘p pour parapluie’ with her French Papa, but on the English alphabet on our wall, it is ‘u for umbrella’,” she says. “As we also knew many other little linguists facing a similar challenge, the idea just would not leave me alone.”

The sweet illustrations for, who also created the adorable little linguist Anna. “I have lots of plans for Anna, so if you have a curious little linguist who would like a little friend…watch this space (i.e., LoveYourLingo).”

Úna says she is constantly amazed by her little girls as they show her just how natural it is to speak more than one language. “I have also witnessed challenges they met along the way and feel that a positive language experience, in the delicate early years, can be crucial in determining whether a child continues to speak their languages or not.”

One of my own regrets in life is speaking only one language (English). Even though I graduated high school with years of French and Spanish under my belt, I still carry a dictionary when traveling. As a child, I never learned Polish, my relatives’ native tongue. Keeping the multilingual fire alive in young children is definitely the key to raising little linguists at home. Thanks, Úna!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Hoot Company Inspires Imagination Through Play

Get to know the new Hoot Company at this week’s Atlanta International Gift Show.

The folks at Hoot Company® believe childhood should be a hoot (very cute) – and offers unique, high-quality toys and books that focus on fun and imagination. Columbus, Ohio-based parents and entrepreneurs Kerri and David Love have created this new toy company to follow their passion for igniting their own young children’s imaginations – and now they’re excited to be introducing their two-year-old company to the children’s gift industry at The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Visit them in Bldg. 3, Fl. 3, Booth #404.

Introducing Lovelets Plush Animals & Princess Kitty Butterfly – the First Toy Collection & Children’s Book

Hoot Company is entering the toy and gift markets with two initial brands that demonstrate the company’s commitment to fun and imagination: Lovelets® plush animal friends and Princess Kitty Butterfly®, an illustrated, read-along book and accompanying plush animal.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our company to those in the market looking for high-quality toys and books that inspire children’s imaginations. As parents ourselves, we believe children learn best through play and have made it our mission to create a family of toys that foster open-ended play.”

Lovelets® plush animals are one of two exclusive Hoot Company toy brands launching in Atlanta. The Lovelets collection features six super soft, 13.5-inch plush animal characters, each with a unique feature – arms that reach out as if to say, “Let’s Hug!”

“Lovelets ‘hugging arms’ encourage the positive and powerful act of hugging, which builds trust and a sense of safety, and also elevates mood and happiness. Not only do these adorable animals provide children hugs when they may need extra comfort on daily adventures, but they empower children to nurture others with hugs in return.”

Hoot Company is also introducing an illustrated, read-aloud picture book entitled, Princess Kitty Butterfly, about a chubby cat who dreams of becoming a butterfly. Readers follow Princess Kitty on an adventure and learn themes of self-confidence, perseverance and imagination. The book is available as a stand-alone item and also available as a gift set with an 8-inch plush toy.

“‘Princess Kitty Butterfly’ teaches young readers that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. As with all Hoot Company toys and books, we hope it will inspire children’s imaginations and foster positive emotional growth through fun and play.”

After the Loves recognized many toys in the market today are void of imagination, diversity and positive emotional messaging, they set out on a mission to bring toys to the market that spark imaginations and encourage open-ended play. Hoot Company is an entirely new kind of toy company formed a wholesale distributor. Toys, games and books will be available through independent, specialty, children’s gift and online retailers, as well as bookstores.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

MAM

Standard setting baby products

Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a world leader in innovating and developing top quality baby care products for nearly 40 years. The company combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products such as award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items and coordinating accessories that support a baby’s development from day one. Today, all MAM products are 100% baby safe: BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-compliant; and are used by families in over 60 countries and on five continents.

MAM recently joined forces with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign, matching all gifts made to Shot@Life up to $25,000 during this year’s #GivingTuesday, which began on December 1. The Shot@Life campaign is rallying to support for polio immunizations around the globe. Polio, a disease that once crippled hundreds of thousands of children each year, is now 99% eradicated and only remains endemic in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere so we must remain diligent in our efforts to combat this horribly disabling disease,” says Devi Thomas, Director, Shot@Life campaign. “With support from MAM we hope to raise funding and awareness for polio so we can put an end to this disease for good.”

Last year, MAM helped support Shot@Life’s efforts to provide thousands of pneumonia vaccines to children in developing countries during the #GivingTuesday campaign.

“For nearly 40 years, MAM has created products that promote the healthy development of babies,” says Isaac Cohen, Vice President of Marketing. “Our partnership with Shot@Life will enable us to further support our mission and reach more children across the globe.”

Still Time to Support Shot@Life

All gifts made to Shot@Life from December 1 through the end of 2015 will go to support ending polio globally.

In addition to its $25,000 matching contribution, MAM has created a line of Shot@Life branded pacifiers. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the limited edition pacifier sales will benefit Shot@Life.

Jennifer Mitchell in as CEO

MAM recently promoted Jennifer Mitchell to the position of Chief Executive Officer for North America effective January 1, 2016. Mitchell currently holds the position of V.P. of Sales for MAM North America and will succeed current CEO Fritz Hirsch who is retiring. Hirsch will continue to act as an advisor to the company.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!